Climate Change Certificate

There is a growing national need for qualified personnel who have a working knowledge of climate science, potential impacts, and strategies for adapting and mitigating these potential impacts. The Climate Change Certificate will prepare students at the University of Idaho to meet current and future workforce needs across the state, as well as nationally, preparing students for an expanding job market in the areas of climate science, as well with the growing workforce in climate adaptation and mitigation strategies.

In addition, the Climate Change Certificate is designed to better inform students on the multifaceted aspects of climate science, adaptation and policy - a field that is expected to greatly increase over the next decade. Finally, the climate change certificate is also in direct alignment with the land-grant mission of the University of Idaho in that it will prepare students to understand the causes and ramifications of climate change on agriculture, natural resources, communities and society.

Who can earn the Certificate?

Both undergraduate and graduate Students can earn the certificate. It is considered a stand-alone program that can be earned and completed at the same time as a degree or separately from a degree.

What Will I Learn?

The U.S. Global Change Research Program has outlined specific educational goals for training the next generation of scientists and decision makers in climate literacy across a disciplines. The curriculum required for the climate change certificate builds in the flexibility for students across colleges while adhering to the following "climate literacy" goals:

to understand the essential principles of Earth’s climate system,

to know how to assess scientifically credible information about climate,

to communicate about climate and climate change in a meaningful way, and

can make informed and responsible decisions with regard to actions that may affect climate.

Thus, the certificate is intended to prepare students in many fields to understand the scientific drivers and impacts of climate change, as well as the necessary knowledge base to become active participants in planning mitigation strategies and necessary community/societal adaptations.

What are the requirements?

As described in the requirements link, a total of 12 credits are required for the certificate including one required course, and 9 credits of electives from the elective list.

Declaring the Certificate

To officially declare the certificate, fill out the change of curriculum form. You only need the first page – fill out the section at the bottom related to Adding Certificates. The department chair signs the form and then you turn it into the Office of the Registrar. There is no fee and no penalty if you declare the certificate but do not fulfill the requirements.

Forms are also available in the main office of the Department of Geography (McClure 201).

If you have questions regarding how long this process will take, please contact Student Services.